Daily Current Affairs – 21 September 2026

1. India-New Zealand FTA to come into force on 20 October 2026

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is scheduled to enter into force on 20 October 2026. The agreement was signed on 27 April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, 100% of India's exports to New Zealand will receive zero-duty market access from the first day of implementation. The agreement is expected to expand opportunities in sectors such as textiles, leather, footwear, engineering goods and agri-processing.

2. Index of Core Industries grows 4.8% in August 2026

India's Index of Core Industries (ICI) recorded year-on-year growth of 4.8% in August 2026, according to provisional estimates released by the government.

Cement recorded 12.5% growth, electricity 11.6%, iron ore 5.5%, steel 3.4% and refinery products 2.6%. The cumulative growth of the Index of Core Industries during April-August 2026 stood at 4.3%.

3. India-Mongolia Exercise Nomadic Elephant begins at Pithoragarh

The India-Mongolia joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant commenced at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The bilateral exercise is conducted between the armed forces of India and Mongolia and focuses on improving cooperation and interoperability.

For competitive examinations, remember the country pair: Nomadic Elephant is associated with India and Mongolia.

4. India and Japan conduct Exercise Veer Guardian 2026

The Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated in the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur.

The exercise involved advanced flying missions and cooperation between the two air forces. The Indian Air Force deployed aircraft including Su-30 MKI, Rafale and the indigenous LCA Tejas, while Japan participated with F-2A fighter aircraft.

5. India reaches Asian Games men's badminton team quarter-finals

India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 to reach the men's badminton team quarter-finals at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.

Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty and Kidambi Srikanth won their respective matches. India advanced to face host nation Japan in the quarter-finals.

6. India wins medals in men's 10m air rifle

India secured a double podium finish in the men's 10-metre air rifle individual event at the Asian Games. Himanshu Dhillon won the silver medal while Rudrankksh Patil secured bronze. India also won silver in the men's team event.

7. NHAI issues guidelines for access-controlled high-speed highways

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) introduced new guidelines for the design and development of access-controlled high-speed National Highways. Such highways regulate entry and exit to improve traffic movement, road safety and operational efficiency.

8. India prepares for stronger anti-narcotics coordination

The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the 3rd National Conference of Heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Forces of States and Union Territories would be held in New Delhi on 22 September. The conference is linked to the Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026-2029 and focuses on issues including drug cartels, synthetic drugs and technology-enabled drug trafficking.

Exam Quick Revision

• India-New Zealand FTA will enter into force on 20 October 2026.

• The India-New Zealand FTA was signed on 27 April 2026.

• Index of Core Industries grew 4.8% year-on-year in August 2026.

• Nomadic Elephant is a joint military exercise between India and Mongolia.

• Veer Guardian is a bilateral air exercise between India and Japan.

• Veer Guardian 2026 was conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur.

• India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 in the Asian Games men's badminton team event.

• Himanshu Dhillon won silver in the men's 10m air rifle individual event.

• NHAI stands for National Highways Authority of India.

• ANTF stands for Anti-Narcotics Task Force.